Benzhexol - Pharmacology:

Benzhexol is a selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. It is able to discriminate between the M1 (cortical or neuronal) and the peripheral muscarinic subtypes (cardiac and glandular). Benzhexol partially blocks cholinergic activity in the CNS, which is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is also thought to increase the availability of dopamine, a brain chemical that is critical in the initiation and smooth control of voluntary muscle movement.

Benzhexol Interactions

Cannabinoids, barbiturates, opiates, and alcohol may have additive effects with Benzhexol, and thus, an abuse potential exists.

Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with Benzhexol may cause increased sedative effects.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants possessing significant anticholinergic activity may intensify the anticholinergic effects of antidyskinetic agents because of the secondary anticholinergic activities of these medications.

Prophylactic administration of anticholinergic agents, such as trihexyphenidyl, as a prevention of drug-induced parkinsonism during neuroleptic therapy is not recommended. There may be an increased risk for the development of tardive dyskinesia during concomitant administration of anticholinergics and neuroleptics.

The usual dose of either trihexyphenidyl or levodopa may need to be reduced during concomitant therapy, since concomitant administration may increase drug-induced involuntary movements.

Nursing Mothers:
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Benzhexol is administered to a nursing woman. As with other anticholinergics, trihexyphenidyl may cause suppression of lactation. Therefore, trihexyphenidyl should only be used if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant.

Pediatric Use:
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Benzhexol Contraindications

ARTANE is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to trihexyphenidyl HCl or to any of the tablet or
elixir ingredients. Artane is also contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Blindness after long-term
use due to narrow angle glaucoma has been reported.